Pop Culture's Relationship to Societal Desires

One of Klosterman's main points in the novel is that pop culture can be a mirror of societal needs and desires, as well as a leading force for those desires. In one sense, pop culture is simply a reflection of what a generation believes to be desirable. Klosterman uses Pamela Anderson and Marilyn Monroe as perfect examples of this theory. He notes that, in the 1950s, Monroe represented all things desirable, which was power, discrete sexuality, fame, and a sense of purity that was slightly tainted. Anderson, on the other hand, represents modern desires with blatant sexuality, fame, high society, and celebrity status. To Klosterman, both women show clearly that in some cases, pop culture doesn't define coolness or popularity, but simply reflects it.

On the other hand, Klosterman also points out that in some cases, pop culture drives what is considered desirable...